Shapps outlines pre-travel test requirement for arrivals

"We already have significant measures in place to prevent imported cases of Covid-19, but with new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions," said Shapps.

"Taken together with the existing mandatory self-isolation period for passengers returning from high-risk countries, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence – helping us control the virus as we roll out the vaccine at pace over the coming weeks."

The Department for Transport has said it will set out the required standard of pre-travel test and what proof passengers will need to present shortly.

Those arriving from travel corridor destinations who return a negative pre-travel Covid test result will still be able to take advantage of the government’s test to release scheme to cut their self-isolation requirement to as little as five days.

Limited exemptions from the pre-travel negative test requirement include hauliers, children under 11, crews, and those travelling from countries with limited testing infrastructure.